Which pocket .380 pistol should i buy?

Nice analysis.

I understand that the Taurus isn't your first pick, but look at your rationale in a 3rd person. You don't like the mag? Well it's supposed to go inside the gun and it's ob is to hold and feed bullets. if it does that it could look like a goats bear as far as i'm concerned! Second, the job of any gun is to go "bang". FBI statistics say that most gunfights involve 3-5 rounds. If it can reliably deliver 3-5 shots then it's done it's job. In the AF we use the M9. Everyone knows it's made by Beretta. Not my favorite either and nowhere near my favorite gun. Yet if I'm in Afghanistan and the Taliban is coming at me that gun will become the most beloved possession I own on this earth! Because although i hate it now, i know it goes bang when I need it to, and 15 times!

Still, I think you're leaning toward the Ruger. I would say it's a good choice. You can have the mag release adjusted too.

I am struggling with the same issue right now- looking for a smaller warm weather carry gun.

The Taurus is a fraction taller and has a slightly longer barrel and weighs about an ounce more. It just may shoot better?

But really......for a couple more ounces and about 1/2 inch in length and hight you can get a Keltec PF9 9mm for about $300. Thats a little less quality, but a lot more power.

And if that interests you....then 3 more ounces and a few more bucks you can get a Kahr CW9.

So....do I spend $320 for a 380 with a short grip or $440 ($120 more) for a 9mm thats just a little bigger- big enough to hold onto?

I am leaning towards the Kahr.

I owned a taurus and it was a very good little pistol. Not really accurate at any thing I couldn't hit with a rock , but you probably know that about a 380. Would jam if using reloaded ammo. If I remember correctly the Taurus was made with cast bought by Colt after Colt had used the cast for X# of guns. Colt has a set # of guns they will make with the cast and for quality control reasons wouldn't use it any more. That was in 92 maybe it's changed by now but you might want to ask your retailer.

I have the Ruger LCP and its great.. although, dont think you go wrong with TCP either. I would really consider the Rugers LC9. Just a little bigger but a 9mm! now that is sha-weet!!

Also, Ruger LCP has long... 8 lb trigger pull weight.. the TCP is better with a 4lb, if that makes a difference to you

I like the Ruger LCP. My only gripe with it is the absurdly long hard trigger pull.

I added the Pearce mag extension so the grip is pretty good. The mag release doesn't seem to be a problem to me.

My suspicion is that all of the little pocket pistols are going to feel inferior to a larger pistol and you just have to decide what is going to bug you more on one model versus another.

Personally i would suggest that u go with the kel tec P3at over the ruger....

but to each his own.....but i would STRONGLY suggest u SHOOT both before u buy.....and my bet is that like most other ppl u will shoot the p3at better....

** slide locking back doesn't really matter if u train correctly.....its nice...but again most ppl that have tried both firearms at the range don't seem to think it matters...

** also just want to point out that keltec finally has some of the 9 round extended mags in stock ...which makes this gun shoot even better.....and still can be concealed with a little more effort...

http://www.cdnninvestments.com/ << also this company has the P3at on sale for 199.99 + whatever ur FFL charges for transfer which is a great price....

** also the ruger mags cost more than the P3at ones due to the slide lock-back function....

** honestly go to ur gun store's used section and u will find the LCP ....but probably won't find a P3at...

The S&W Bodyguard.

It is a .380 semi-auto that is basically the exact same as the Ruger LCP but it comes factory made with a laser in the grip.

Have you considered the SIG Arms P238? It's a clone of the Colt "Mustang" .380 ACP pistol.

http://www.sigsauer.com/CatalogProductDetails/p238...

seems you have did your home work there ,,which every one fits your hand there are the berretas,,in 380 i like the tomcat tip up feature good luck shopping ammo has is a consideration also,,,,,,,,,,